Installing Network Adapters

If you're installing a new network adapter, follow the manufacturer's instructions for installing with Windows XP or Windows 2000. Even if it does not come with specific Windows XP instructions, the installation should be a snap. Just follow these steps:

1.

If you have purchased an internal card, shut down Windows, shut off the computer, unplug it, open the case, install the card in an empty slot, close the case, and restart Windows.

TIP

If you've never worked inside your computer, jump ahead to Chapter 30, “Installing and Replacing Hardware,” for advice and handy tips.

If you are adding a PCMCIA or USB adapter, be sure you're logged on with a “Computer Administrator” account, and then just plug it in while Windows is running.

If you're using your computer's IEEE-1394 port, there's nothing to install or configure.

2.

When you're back at the Windows log in screen, log in as a Computer Administrator. Windows will display the New Hardware Detected dialog when you log in.

3.

The New Hardware Detected dialog might instruct you to insert your Windows XP CD-ROM. If Windows cannot find a suitable driver for your adapter from this CD, it may ask you to insert a driver disk that your network card's manufacturer should have provided (either a CD-ROM or floppy disk).

If you are asked, insert the manufacturer's disk and click OK. If Windows says that it cannot locate an appropriate device driver, try again, and this time click the Browse button. Locate a folder named WindowsXP, Windows2000 (or some reasonable approximation), W2K, or NT5 on the floppy, and click OK.

NOTE

The exact name of the folder containing your device driver varies from vendor to vendor. You might have to poke around a little on the disk to find it.

4.

After Windows has installed the card's driver software, it automatically configures and uses the card. Check the Device Manager to see whether the card is installed and functioning. Then you can proceed to “Installing Network Wiring” later in this chapter.